take heart

Psalm 27

Of David.
 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
       whom shall I fear?
       The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
       of whom shall I be afraid?
 2 When evil men advance against me
       to devour my flesh,
       when my enemies and my foes attack me,
       they will stumble and fall.
 3 Though an army besiege me,
       my heart will not fear;
       though war break out against me,
       even then will I be confident.
 4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
       this is what I seek:
       that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
       all the days of my life,
       to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
       and to seek him in his temple.
 5 For in the day of trouble
       he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
       he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
       and set me high upon a rock.
 6 Then my head will be exalted
       above the enemies who surround me;
       at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
       I will sing and make music to the LORD.
 7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
       be merciful to me and answer me.
 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
       Your face, LORD, I will seek.
 9 Do not hide your face from me,
       do not turn your servant away in anger;
       you have been my helper.
       Do not reject me or forsake me,
       O God my Savior.
 10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
       the LORD will receive me.
 11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
       lead me in a straight path
       because of my oppressors.
 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
       for false witnesses rise up against me,
       breathing out violence.
 13 I am still confident of this:
       I will see the goodness of the LORD
       in the land of the living.
 14 Wait for the LORD;
       be strong and take heart
       and wait for the LORD.
Jessica MathisenComment